Table 2 Observed feeding time, nitrogen content, dietary protein contribution, and δ¹⁵N values of foods consumed by baboons and chimpanzees at Issa. Feeding time (expressed as a percentage of total observed feeding activity) was modified after Schulze et al.48 for general food items and termite fishing activities after Giuliano48. Nitrogen content (%) was determined using data from locally collected plants35 and termites47 and from globally sourced mushrooms52. Dietary protein is calculated using observed feeding time weighted by nitrogen content for each resource type. δ¹⁵N values (‰) are reported where measurements were available. Termites (Macrotermes subhyalinus) provide a substantial portion of dietary nitrogen for chimpanzees despite representing only a small fraction of observed feeding time.
From: Multi-isotope analysis reconstructs termite feeding in chimpanzees
Observed feeding time (%) | N-content (%) | Dietary protein (%) | δ15N (‰ vs. AIR) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Baboon | ||||
Fruits | 19 | 0.8 | 7 | 4.2 |
Flowers | 3 | – | 1 | – |
Leaves | 5 | 1.6 | 4 | 1.3 |
Invertebrates | 10 | – | 47 | – |
Seeds/Pods | 26 | – | 9 | – |
Grasses | 5 | 1.6 | 4 | 3.4 |
Roots | 18 | – | 6 | – |
Mushrooms | 11 | – | 22 | – |
Chimpanzee | ||||
Fruits | 53 | 0.8 | 32 | 4.2 |
Flowers | 11 | – | 7 | – |
Leaves | 12 | 1.6 | 14 | 1.3 |
Seeds/Pods | 14 | – | 8 | – |
Termites | 4 | 10.5 | 32 | 0.3 |
Other Invertebrates | 2 | – | – | – |
Mushrooms | 2 | 4.5 | 7 | – |
